Maintenance Mechanic - Automation 1st Shift

Woodland Foods • Waukegan, IL

31d • $29 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

This role is primarily responsible for ensuring the continuous, reliable, and optimal operation of all plant equipment, facilities, and automation systems. The Mechanic will execute building and grounds maintenance and mechanical repair while applying expertise in PLC troubleshooting, control systems, and process optimization to maximize production line efficiency, reduce downtime, and maintain strict safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5+ years of progressive experience in an Industrial Maintenance and/or Automation/Controls role, preferably in food production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of control systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment (e.g., PLCs, HMIs, VFDs).
• Expertise in PLC troubleshooting and maintenance (preferably Allen-Bradley), with the ability to read and analyze logic.
• Thorough working knowledge of all electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret both mechanical and electrical/instrumentation schematics.
• High School Degree Required; Associate degree or Electrical/Mechanical/PLC certification preferred.
• Analytical and mechanically inclined with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and frequently bend and move about the facility
• Frequently required to lift to 55 pounds (anything over 55 lbs, team lift)
• Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., TPM, Lean) is a plus.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and Repair: Perform hands-on inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance of mechanical systems and general building facilities equipment (e.g., Metal detectors, Conveyor Belts, Baggers, Pumps, Mixers, Sealers, and Scales).
• Preventive Maintenance: Execute and contribute to the improvement of preventive maintenance programs for both mechanical systems and basic automation/control systems.
• System Diagnostics: Assist employees with diagnosing malfunctions in general machinery and equipment, performing root cause analysis and final fixes on industrial machinery.
• System Interpretation: Interpret instructions, specifications, and blueprints/schematics (both mechanical and electrical) for equipment installation, operation, and repairs.
• Facilities: Perform a range of mechanical duties, including working with gear reducers, conveyor belts, bearings, fluid power systems (hydraulic/pneumatic), and basic metalworking/fabrication.
• Compliance: Adhere to all safety, housekeeping, environmental rules, and food safety regulations.
• Electrical/Controls Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot, maintain, and install electrical controls for industrial machinery. This includes working with PLCs (reading/analyzing logic), VFDs, HMIs, motor control circuits, discrete I/O, and 3-phase/single-phase electrical distribution systems.
• System Optimization: Collaborate with the maintenance manager and engineering to identify and implement opportunities for process optimization and minor automation enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Control Support: Provide basic training and technical support to operators and production staff on the use and basic troubleshooting of automation and control systems.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, repairs, and basic modifications/upgrades to both mechanical and control systems.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits.
• Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
• We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package.
• Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: High school or GED